"How to lead and manage staff in such a way that they
not only give you their full co-operation, but they
actually want to contribute to the organisation's
goals and direction with strong enthusiasm!"
As human beings we are quite complex, and as a leader unless a holistic approach is pursued we often end up with piecemeal results. When, as a leader, you take into consideration the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of the human experience, and endeavour to align these facets with organisational outcomes, it becomes quite a challenge. That is why the services of an experienced coach are invaluable, because they keep leaders aware of the various dynamics that are taking place in different contexts, which alone enables the most effective approach to be taken and a much richer and more successful outcome to result.
One key area that empowers leaders to reach their potential is that of increased "self-awareness". I enjoy using psychometric instruments to enable leaders to gain a deeper understanding of their behavioral style, and how their style impacts upon the people they lead. With such knowledge, combined with the expertise of a coach, leaders can drastically increase their effectiveness by learning to flex their style to match the people they work with. People tend not to change their style too much, but in learning to flex, they can effectively lead and produce greater team synergy and improved productivity, truly a winning combination.
After Coaching a number of Business leaders and Executives, I have uncovered a few of the fundamental areas of business and life that make all the difference when done well. I want to share a few of them with you - see if they strike a chord in your working experience.
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
If there is one area that seems to confuse managers it seems to be the difference between mirco-management and performance management. Performance management is not about controling employees but simply enabling them to be productive and effective. When performance management systems are constructed properly and implemented well, it is simply the practice of measuring performance in order to bring incentives, rewards, appropriate training needs and accountability to employees. As Drucker says, "You can't improve that which you cannot measure." Many organisation's rightly develop performance management structures so that employees will set a few objectives, which align with the business strategy. This can harness the energies of the employee to be focussed on improving themselves and their department, while at the same time bringing more effective outcomes to the organisation.
On the other hand, micro-management is styfling people's creativity, and it doesn't necessarily entail goal-setting, where the employee is given the freedom to reach the set objectives according to their style and talents. Instead, mircro-management is a controlling practice which is more concerned about following specific steps to reach a given objective according to the personal preferences of the manager. There is nothing more disempowering than a manager who takes away all autonomy from an employee, dictating to them every step and how they should take it. Research shows that psychological empowerment involves the facet of self-determination, and to take this away is to disempower.
One of the biggest struggles managers have with performance management is learning to address poor performance in order to keep the balance between the big picture - strategy - and the specific actions of the employee - performance. Of course one key to addressing issues of poor performance is making sure that there are no surprises and keeping lines of communication open constantly regarding performance with both positive and constructive feedback, which makes addressing such issues an easier task. Other issues involve, what I call the manager's three "T's", level of trust, the timing of the approach, and the tactfulness of the communication - just to name a few.
TIME MANAGEMENT
For a start, it amazes me how many Executives handle Time Management poorly. When I say poorly, I mean that they feel overly rushed and that they don't have enough time to accomplish what they have set for themsleves. This issue is both an internal emotional problem of feeling stressed and an external organisational problem.
One key ingrediant that I find keeps coming up in this discussion is the misunderstanding that all that is needed are more time managment tools. But unfortunatley, often all that more tools do is make a person very organised in focussing on the wrong things. People have long to-do-lists filled with things that they shouldn't be doing. Quite often, time management boils down to keeping focussed on the right things and prioritising them properly.
I have had the privilege to see executives improve in this area in just three short coaching sessions. They have then gone on to develop a whole new long-term approach, which has brought long-term results.
Since time is money, it makes sense that this area should be a high priority to sort out. Many put up with poor time management habits for years. I wonder how many thousands of dollors they could have saved over the years? If you would like to get started on sorting out this area, why don't you take one of our professional Time Management Assessments. This will help you immediately pinpoint the key areas that you need to start developing.
LEADERSHIP
Studies have clearly shown that the most influential ingredient to boost productivity, internal morale, customer service and bottom-line results is the direct relationship each staff member has with their Manager.
The secret is in developing Emotional Intelligence (EQ). Emotional Intelligence encompasses things like attitudes and behaviours, which are difficult (but not impossible) to measure. However, EQ ultimately drives one's potential for growth and team building. Do you want to take some steps to improve your leadership results? Then your first step is to accurately assess your current Emotional Intelligence.
That which is not acknowledged cannot be addressed!”
I actually offer an assessment, which measures "Emotional Intelligence" that immediately helps you pinpoint your potential growth area. From there, we can develop a clear action plan which will bring measurable results.
Here are SIX ESSENTIAL areas you MUST master in order to be a leader who stays ahead of the rest. You must be able to:
- Enable others to take responsibility for the outcomes of the organisation in which they work.
- Create an environment so that all work together with a win/win mentality, which reduces conflict and rivalry.
- Customise your empowerment of each staff member, according to their style and needs, through a coaching methodology.
- Develop a team who communicates clearly and receives regular honest feedback for their own growth, so that they continually improve.
- Know all team members and their strengths, so they work in the area they are good at regularly.
- Articulate a clear vision on a regular basis and in such a way that staff will buy into the vision.
BUSINESS STRATEGY:
Business Strategy is crucial for Success in directing your firm in such a way, to give it a competitive advantage.
A leader needs to develop a business strategy that matches the industry environment, takes full advantage of the firm's capabilities, and gives it an advantage in the market place.
The strategy needs to be communicated right throughout the organisation, so that there is buy-in at every level. And implementation of the strategy is a dynamic process, which bridges every gap between what is and what should be.
The strategy needs to be woven into the fabric of the organisation's culture, so that all its purposes, processes and people are aligned as a cohesive unit.
Often, to do this objectively, is a very difficult task for Leaders. Leaders are caught up in the current culture and don't see the norms that have been developed over time. This lack of objectivity can oppose the direction the business needs to go in to achieve a competitive advantage. Also the lack of time given to this task can be a hurdle that impedes the development of a good business strategy. I can walk you through this whole process step by step as you look to implement strategic management processes in your own context.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE:
One of the most difficult areas for leaders to understand is the area of setting clear healthy boundaries between themselves and their work. Leaders tend to make their work an extension of themselves. When people's identities get caught up in their work like this, adding to the mix long hours interpersonal conflict, and work pressures, they can easily burnout.
I have seen Leaders who are so stretched for so long with this identity mixup that they have burned out. And it isn’t a pretty sight. In fact it happened to me, I have since learned proven techniques and strategies for sustaining myself in and through hectic situations. I would love to share them with you.
Imagine setting up for yourself an environment, which is going to fully support and empower you to reach your strategic and personal goals. This is what hiring a coach is all about. There is nothing like having a good confidential sounding board to discuss your life and business strategies. I will collaborate together with you to develop incremental action steps which will enable you to arrive at your desired destination. So if you are starting to get serious about raising your game, then contact me by email, and we can set up a time to talk.
David Allan
Take a look at some benefits received through being coached:
I am a business executive with 80 staff under my leadership. Having a coach is a good way to take time-out, in the endeavour to keep a balanced perspective for myself, in this busy world. It is a pleasure to recommend David Allan to anyone looking for coaching in either personal or professional development.
He has provided me with both these areas of personal and professional coaching for three months now and has greatly assisted me in making my own goals and aspirations more clear and on track. His true professional and confidential approach is most beneficial to any busy person or hardworking executive, and I have no hesitation in recommending him to any prospective client.
Chris Lancaster G.C.B.A., Dip. B.M., A.F.A.I.M.
By having David as my Business Coach, he has frequently assisted me in my work and private life. I look forward to our sessions together as it gives me the opportunity to tell, in confidence, an independent person exactly what I’m doing. I am able to share what I’ve done, and what I plan to do with my goals on a weekly basis.
Being the General Manager of a growing Taxi Business keeps me on my toes. So by having someone on my side, who knows where I’m headed gives me the motivation to achieve what I want from my working career as well as my personal life.
Murray Spence: General Manager
One of our specialties at Advance Lifestyle Development is that we offer Professional Online Assessments that take the guess work out of your current situation so that you can quickly and easily start working on implementing a solution.
For a rediculously low price of $35.00 - and with a 100% money back guarantee if you are not fully satisfied - you can take an online assessment, which you can then print out and use as a point of reference for further development.
After you have completed an Online Assessment, you will receive a comprehensive PDF feedback report, with simple and easy to read graphs displaying your strength and potential growth areas. You will also receive a clear action plan, to immediately begin your strategic progress to your desired outcome. You will be under no obligation to start a coaching relationship, but the option is available if you would like to go deeper. We want you to be able to test drive some of our services at a very reduced price so that there is no risk to You!
Here are some empowering benefits Executive Coaching brings to Executives:
· The ability to keep a balanced lifestyle that finds time for your family and all the important things in your life, including your workload, without burning out!
· The increasing of your work performance so that you and others will truly notice the difference in productivity, profitability and style.
· Someone to help you think through, and brainstorm major decisions in confidence having no conflict of interest in the outcome.
· Becoming emotionally intelligent in how to deal with your team, so that you get maximum productivity and cooperation.
· Staying on track with your primary purpose in life and aligning it with your place of work.
· Discovering and eliminating self-destructive habits, replacing them with positive and empowering practices.
· Keep on increasing your Leadership capacity through professional assessments, action reflection planning, and implementation to bring maximum influence on those around you.
· Improve Your People Management skills through being able to understand both your style of management, which helps you adjust your approach to each team member.
· Learn to see conflict with others as a positive means to bringing about a far better result rather than something to be avoided at all costs.
· Keep your focus on your customers so that you Increase Customer Satisfaction, bringing your clients back to you time and time again.
Another Testimonial:
I have no hesitation in commending David and his coaching techniques. I had the privilege of being coached by David over a number of months. Even after twenty-five years in a management role, David was able to reveal areas to work on. I found the module on time Management extremely useful and very helpful.
David was both non-threatening and supportive in his approach. He was particularly effective in the interpersonal skill of active listening. I was able to make full use of David's teaching in my role as a Manager, thereby assisting me to work more effectively with my fellow workers.
In my personal life, I was also able to apply the principles learned to assist me with better Time Management. It is with much pleasure that I commend David Allan in his role as a Business Coach.
Raymond Vassallo, Retail Manager / Woolworths
Professional Assessments are an accurate way to help you discover more about yourself and develop strategic plans to help you grow in areas of your need. This is often a great place to start in a coaching relationship. It gives a good clear framework to operate in. Take a look at a number of the professional Assessments we offer our Clients and choose the one which most suits your needs.
All you need to do is click on the "Assessments" link, purchase an assessment for $40.00, and you will recieve a link to your online assessment. I will follow you up with a complimentary Coaching Session. Although I am based in Australia, I coach most of my clients by phone, which allows for maximum flexibiliy.
I find this very effective and efficient for busy executives, because there is no time lost in travel (for both parties) and the session stays more focussed. There is no obligation to continue with the coaching.
With leaders, we tend to set up regular monthly appointments, which gives ample time to implement the necessary group, and individual strategies, which come out of the coaching.
Executive Coach: David Allan
Certified Coach
Give me a call (from overseas) (011 617) 5450 6300 or
from within Australia (07) 5450 6300
(Remember if calling from the USA we are 14 hours in front of EST.)
If you have any questions, or you would like something clarified please don't hesitate to ask. Drop me an email, Your Coach, and I will commit to Your success!
Dave Allan
Ph: 07 5450 6300
33 Bando St
Pacific Paradise QLD 4564
Australia
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